Are you a keen sportsman with a taste for new sensations? Come and discover rando-rappel near Montpellier: a combination of endurance, concentration and breathtaking views!
Pic Saint Loup (the site of our hike near Montpellier), a bit of history:
“Le Pic”, as the locals call it, is the emblem of the Montpellier hinterland.
A true summit, it stands out from afar at 658 metres. Its summit can be seen from all over the region. Did you know that the architecture of the center of Montpellier around the Parc du Peyrou was designed to ensure that the surrounding buildings never obscure the view of the Pic St Loup. Its southern slopes are ideal for Sunday hikes with the family, starting from Valflaunès. It’s the best-known itinerary. Its North face is vertiginous, steep and cold, and it’s here that “La grande diagonale” is hidden. It’s our ticket to entry and the approach walk for our hike-recall near Montpellier!
On the other side: the Hortus
Opposite the Pic, you can admire the Hortus cliff, with its large vertical faces and multi-pitch climbing routes up to 110m. L’Hortus is a popular winter playground for local climbers. Its southern exposure is a delight to bask on. The peak has been the subject of many legends. Enter the monastery at the summit to read some of them, and feel the energy that reigns here. The famous Lucien Bérardinia leading figure in mountaineering and local climbing, loved the Pic’s cliffs. He even described it as “the most beautiful climb of his life!
He nicknamed the Pic Saint Loup “L’Everest du Pauvre” (“The Poor Man’s Everest” ). This is the name of a beautiful climbing route opened in his honor by Gilles Ployer, our local climbing instructor, on the Hortus cliff.
The best-known hike near Montpellier: Le parcours du Pic St Loup :
First of all, what is rando rappel? It’s a mix of several activities requiring endurance and concentration. As the name suggests, you’ll find yourself hiking, especially during the approach phase to the summit. The approach steps are fairly steep, and dotted with aerial climbing passages that aren’t too difficult, but do require concentration. The second phase involves abseiling, which is the heart of the activity.
Abseiling:
After a lunch break at the summit of the Pic, we set off on the descent, which involves 5 successive abseils alternating with sections of step. The first abseil is confusing, as you’re descending through the bowels of the earth. We provide you with a headlamp to light your way. After a traverse under the earth of the Pic, we land on the full north face of the Pic. From there, you’ll make 4 abseils, one of which is a 50 m spider’s thread.
Safety during the rando-rappel :
So that you can enjoy this unusual day in complete safety, naturéo sport aventure provides you with a harness fitted with a double lanyard, a helmet (with headlamp), a descender and a self-locking device for abseiling. At the start of the activity, your guide will give you a safety briefing and explain rope descent techniques.
Want to try your hand at adventure? contact us here!
